Sydney Aquarium announces death of famous gay penguin Sphen

The Sydney Aquarium today shared devastating news with its fans around the world: it announced the death of penguin Sphen, one half of the internationally famous same-sex penguin couple.

Sphen was taken far too early at the age of 11 and leaves behind his partner Magic after six wonderful years together. Sphen died of natural causes after living a long life for a Gentoo penguin.

His loss is mourned by his countless fans around the world as well as the two penguin chicks he raised with his partner Lara and Clancy.

The death of the legendary penguin was announced by the Sydney Aquarium on its social media pages with a touching video tribute that recapitulated Sphen and Magic's love story.

@sealifesydneyaquarium 🌈💔 We are deeply saddened to announce that Sphen, one half of the world's most famous and loved gentoo penguin couple, has sadly passed away. Sphen and Magic, our beloved 'penguin power couple', made global headlines in 2018 with their beautiful same-sex relationship and inspired millions around the world with their story of love, equality and devotion. Sphen's legacy will live on through the love he shared with Magic and the important conservation messages they helped us spread. We invite Sphen's fans to leave a tribute by sharing their messages on our website. Your words will help us keep his memory alive. 💙🐧 Click #LinkInBio to leave your tribute. #ConservationHeroes #PenguinPowerCouple #LoveIsLove #LGBTQIA+ #PenguinsOfInstagram #ValeSphen #Penguin #Love #Conservation #SeaLifeSydneyAquarium #SeaLifeSydney #SeaLife #Sydney #DarlingHarbour #SydneyCBD ♬ Original sound – SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

The two gentoo penguins gained fame faster in 2018 than Chappell Roan when the aquarium shared footage of Sphen giving Magic a rock. Which, in case you don’t know, is the penguin equivalent of suggests.

I'll be right back. Grab some tissues. This is so sad.

The penguins made headlines around the world with their sweet romance and remained a major attraction at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium throughout their six-year relationship.

Sphen and Magic have appeared in documentaries, Netflix series, and even on a carnival float in 2021.

They were also accused by a conservative politician and leader of the Australian Christian Lobby, Lyle Sheltonof “faking” their love and accused the aquarium of “manipulating” the penguins into entering into a relationship.

Wasn't there an episode of Parks and Rec about this? https://t.co/pya9AVOARr

— Stephen Bates (@stephenbatesmp) July 3, 2023

And if all that isn't sad enough for you, the Sydney Aquarium reported that after Sphen's death, his partner inspired the entire gentoo penguin colony in the enclosure to sing sad songs.

“The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking for the penguin colony, the team and everyone who was inspired or positively impacted by Sphen and Magic’s story,” said Sea Life Sydney General Manager. Richard Dilly.

“Sphen and Magic’s love story has captivated the world and it was an honor to welcome local and international fans, some of whom traveled long distances to see it in real life.

Sydney Aquarium staff will now focus on preparing the widowed penguin for its first breeding season without sphene.

It is still too early in the morning for so much sadness.

VALE, my king, Sphen. You were a true king.

[Image: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium]